In recent research published in the journal Jama Network Open, it was found that daily walking volume and intensity are inversely related to the risk of chronic lower back pain. The results indicate that walking volume may provide more substantial benefits compared to walking intensity.
Individuals who engage in regular walking experience less back pain than those who do not walk frequently. Volume is more crucial than intensity. Image credit: Tung Lam.
Back pain impacts individuals of all ages and is a leading cause of functional health loss, accounting for an estimated 7.7% of all years lived with disability.
In the United States, lower back pain is the most prevalent form of chronic pain, contributing significantly to medical costs alongside neck pain.
The burden of back pain is expected to rise over the coming decades, presenting a major challenge for the sustainability of healthcare systems.
To mitigate this burden, it is important to identify modifiable factors that can be addressed through policies and preventive strategies.
Physical activity is advised in guidelines for managing chronic low back pain.
However, explicit recommendations for physical activity aimed at the primary prevention of chronic low back pain remain unclear.
Walking, a popular form of leisure physical activity among adults, is linked to a reduced risk of various non-communicable diseases and conditions.
Nevertheless, the relationship between walking and the risk of chronic lower back pain has been largely underexplored.
“Individuals who walk for over 100 minutes daily have a 23% lower risk of lower back issues compared to those who walk for 78 minutes or less,” explained PhD candidate Rayane Haddadj from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
“While it’s likely not shocking that physical activity benefits your back, until now, we lacked clarity on whether low-intensity walking could help.”
“Strength is also a factor in the risk of chronic back issues, but daily walking volume plays a more significant role.”
A total of 11,194 individuals took part in the Trøndelag Health Study (The Hunt Study).
This study is distinctive as it measured daily walking volume and strength through sensors worn on the participants’ thighs over the course of a week.
“These findings highlight the importance of allocating time for physical activity to prevent chronic back problems and other health issues,” remarked Professor Paul Jarl Mork of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
“In the long run, this can result in substantial savings for society.”
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Rayane Haddadj et al. 2025. The amount and intensity of walking and the risk of chronic lower back pain. Jama Netw Open 8 (6): E2515592; doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.15592
Source: www.sci.news
